Prior Lake fell one set short of winning last season's Class 3A championship, and C.C. McGraw (center) has the Lakers looking to take the next step this season. Star Tribune photo by Leila Navidi.
The last time Prior Lake faced Roseville, there was a lot more at stake than simply a successful start to the season.
The Lakers swept the Raiders in the semifinals of last season's Class 3A state tournament, a victory that could provide a psychological advantage as Prior Lake, ranked No. 2 in the Class 3A coaches' preseason poll, looks to build momentum and make another run at a state championship game.
Prior Lake lost to Eagan in last year's title tilt but return an experienced lineup, including team cornerstone C.C. McGraw.
The junior libero and Minnesota commit finished last season with 497 digs and was an all-state first team selection.
Roseville returns star Bre Maloney (1,028 assists), who was also named to the all-state first team. The No. 6-3A Raiders will need another strong season from their senior setter to win a fifth consecutive Section 4 title and earn another shot at a state championship.
With plenty of history between these teams — and each wielding an all-state player — this is our pick for the Top Game of the Week.
Tag(s): Camden Tracy-Milroy-Balaton Central Lakes Rocori Hiawatha Valley Cannon Falls Hayfield Independent Moorhead Lake Hopkins Minnetonka Metro East North St. Paul Metro West St. Louis Park Minneapolis City Minneapolis Washburn MCAA Southwest Christian Minnesota River Jordan Mississippi 8 Buffalo St. Michael-Albertville Northwest Suburban Champlin Park South Suburban Prior Lake Rosemount Suburban East Roseville Three Rivers Fillmore Central West Central North Albany